In the most recent episode of the Balkans podcast on the Bulgarian National Television, Dr Rumena Filipova spoke with journalist Nikolay Krastev about the growing interference of China in the Western Balkans and its wider implications for the region.
The conversation addressed several key dimensions of Chinese engagement, including:
- the economic and strategic rationale behind Beijing’s growing interest in the Western Balkans;
- the challenges surrounding Chinese infrastructure projects in the region;
- Chinese intelligence and espionage activities in the Balkans and Europe;
- the risks associated with academic cooperation with Chinese universities, including the importance of establishing research security; and
- Serbia’s central role as a platform and conduit for Chinese initiatives and influence in the Western Balkans, including in infrastructure, defence and technology.